Considering a used car? You might be looking at former rental vehicles, and it’s natural to wonder about their history and condition. A common question that pops up, especially when considering rentals from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is: does Enterprise repair their own cars? Understanding the answer to this question is crucial before you make a purchase.
Rental cars can be a mixed bag. On one hand, they often come with a history of regular maintenance. On the other, they might have experienced more wear and tear than a privately owned vehicle. Let’s dive into the specifics of Enterprise’s repair practices and what it means for you as a potential buyer of a former rental car.
The Practice of In-House Rental Car Repairs
It’s true that many rental car companies, including Enterprise, often handle minor repairs themselves. This is a common industry practice driven by efficiency and cost savings. For minor damages like dents, dings, and cosmetic issues, having an in-house repair process allows them to quickly get vehicles back into service.
This approach has implications for vehicle history reports. Services like AutoCheck and Carfax rely on data from insurance companies, police reports, and repair facilities. If Enterprise performs a repair in-house and it doesn’t involve an insurance claim or external repair shop, it might not be reported on these standard vehicle history reports.
This doesn’t automatically mean that buying a former Enterprise rental car is a bad idea, but it does mean you need to be more diligent in your pre-purchase inspection.
Pros of Buying a Former Rental Car
Despite concerns about wear and tear, there are some genuine advantages to buying a former rental car:
- Stringent Maintenance Schedules: Rental companies are generally very strict about maintenance. They rely on their fleets being operational, so regular oil changes, tire rotations, and adherence to factory maintenance schedules are usually a priority. Computer systems often track these maintenance needs and ensure timely servicing and recall completion. In many cases, a rental car might have been better maintained in terms of scheduled servicing than some privately owned vehicles.
- Lower Mileage (Often): The trend in the rental industry is to sell cars with fewer miles on them than in the past. This means you might find relatively recent models with reasonable mileage available for purchase.
Man inspecting car tire
Cons of Buying a Former Rental Car
However, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential downsides:
- Driving Conditions: The biggest unknown is how the car was driven by renters. While most renters are responsible drivers, rental cars can experience harder use than privately owned vehicles. Think about quick trips, varied drivers unfamiliar with the car, and potentially less gentle handling.
- Cosmetic Wear and Tear: While major mechanical issues are usually addressed, rental cars can experience more cosmetic wear and tear. This could include interior stains, minor scratches, and general wear on seats and carpets. While often fixed before sale, it’s something to look out for.
- Potential for Undocumented Repairs: As discussed, in-house repairs by companies like Enterprise might not show up on vehicle history reports. This makes a thorough pre-purchase inspection even more critical.
Other Key Considerations for Former Rental Cars
Beyond repairs, here are other factors to keep in mind:
- Vehicle Options and Features: To keep costs down, rental companies sometimes order vehicles with fewer options. You might find that a former rental car lacks features like premium audio systems, sunroofs, or advanced driver-assistance systems. It’s worth checking the original specifications to see what features are included. There have even been instances where rental companies have been criticized for removing safety features to reduce costs, so verifying standard safety equipment is essential.
- Warranty Coverage: Always verify the remaining factory warranty. Manufacturer warranties often have different terms for used car buyers compared to the original owner. For example, while brands like Hyundai and Kia are known for their long warranties, the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is often reduced to 6-year/60,000-mile for subsequent owners. Don’t assume the full original warranty transfers.
Making a Smart Purchase: Tips for Buying Former Rental Cars
Despite the potential downsides, buying a former rental car can be a good option if you are careful and informed. Here’s how to approach it smartly:
- Buy Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) and from a Dealership: The best way to mitigate risks is to purchase a factory-certified pre-owned former rental car from a reputable new car dealer. CPO programs involve rigorous inspections (often 150-180 points) by certified technicians. This process helps ensure the vehicle is in good condition and any necessary repairs have been made and documented. CPO vehicles also typically come with an extended warranty, offering added peace of mind.
- Vehicle History Report – But Don’t Rely On It Solely: Always get a vehicle history report like AutoCheck or Carfax. However, remember that, as discussed, in-house repairs might not be reported. Use the report as one piece of information, but don’t consider it the definitive word on the car’s history, especially with former rentals.
- Thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection: Crucially, get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted independent mechanic. They can assess the vehicle’s mechanical condition, check for any signs of unreported damage or wear and tear, and give you an unbiased opinion.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the seller detailed questions about the car’s history, maintenance records (if available), and any known repairs.
Final Verdict
Buying a former rental car, even one where Enterprise has performed its own repairs, isn’t inherently a bad decision. However, it requires extra due diligence. By focusing on certified pre-owned vehicles from dealerships, conducting thorough inspections, and understanding the limitations of vehicle history reports regarding in-house repairs, you can make an informed choice and potentially get a good deal on a used car. Just remember to go in with your eyes open and prioritize careful inspection and verification over assumptions.
